where is liver present - #19332
I am feeling kind of confused and worried about something. I’ve been having this weird pain in my upper right abdomen for a few weeks now. At first, I thought it was just a stomach issue, but it’s getting worse and I even looked online and found out that it could be related to the liver. That got me thinking, where is liver present exactly? Like, is it supposed to hurt there? I had some blood test done a week ago, but the results weren't super clear and my doctor said something about enzyme levels. So I was like, where is liver present in terms of location? Is it deeper than I thought or could the pain come from somewhere else? I mean, I feel like I should know this stuff, but honestly, I don’t remember being taught where is liver present in our body, right? All I know is that I keep getting these strange symptoms and I just need to understand better what might be going on. Is this normal or should I be worried about what something might be wrong like? Thank you in advance for any insight on this!!
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Doctors' responses
The liver is primarily situated in the right upper quadrant of your abdomen, just below the diaphragm and mostly shielded by the rib cage, stretching partially across the midline towards the left side. Pain or discomfort in this area can sometimes be a signal that something may be affecting the liver, although it’s crucial to remember that various conditions could cause similar symptoms. Experiencing a persistent or worsening pain like you’ve described warrants consideration beyond just where your liver is. It sounds like you’ve taken an important step with the blood tests. Elevated enzyme levels could suggest inflammation or irritation within the liver, which can be due to a range of issues such as infections, fatty liver disease, or even alcohol consumption. However, these symptoms could also be related to the gallbladder or bile ducts, which are situated nearby and can sometimes refer pain to the same region. It’s easy to worry with online resources painting a number of possibilities, so it’s prudent to follow up on your doctor’s observations, especially if your symptoms persist or worsen. A detailed ultrasound or further liver function tests could give more clarity on the structural or functional aspects that might be contributing to your discomfort. Avoid alcohol, maintain a balanced diet, and stay in close communication with your healthcare provider, who might recommend further diagnostic imaging or referral to a specialist if there seems to be an underlying liver condition that requires targeted treatment.
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